Why rent office space in a LEED certified building?
What Is Leeds-Certified?
LEEDS is a leading sustainability system. It stands for leadership in energy and environmental design. The non-profit USGBC (US Green Building Council) established the programme in 1993 to help companies reduce their carbon footprints.
The program includes a rating system that evaluates the design and construction of green buildings. Buildings are graded on specific eco-friendly standards, such as efficient carbon, energy, waste, and indoor environment quality.
To become a LEED-certified building, you need to score between 40-49 points.
There are four possible LEED certifications buildings receive. The more points you accumulate, the higher your certification level.
Why Work From A Leeds-Certified Building?
Some companies are hesitant about relocating to a LEED certified building as rent can be more expensive than standard workspaces.
However, greener buildings have multiple benefits that offset the higher rental prices. These are the top motivators for moving to a green-certified office.
Lower Operational Costs
Buildings must comply with energy-efficient and water-saving standards to attain a LEED certified building status.
Tenants working from a workspace where green structures exist use less water and electricity. Their utility expenses are then lower than a conventional office.
Maintenance costs are also lower as the buildings are usually new or recently refurbished.
Buildings must comply with energy-efficient and water-saving standards to attain a LEED-certified status.
Higher Retention and Recruitment
Many employees want jobs at companies with environmental-friendly values aligning with theirs.
A green office in a LEED certified building helps retain and recruit staff who want to reduce their waste.
Good For Your Company's Image
Companies can receive lots of good and bad publicity on social media. Showcasing your brand as climate-friendly on Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram should enhance your public image.
Your desirable environmental policies could help you secure more customers than competitors.
Your buyers might also be willing to spend on sustainable products, thus affecting sales positively.
Showcasing your brand as climate-friendly on Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram should enhance your public image.
You Make An Actual Impact
In addition to receiving positive media attention, you're making an impact.
Green buildings conserve more energy and water, produce fewer carbon emissions, and generate less waste. USGBC claims that green buildings prevent 80 million tons of garbage from being dumped in landfills. Additional benefits include reducing pollution and improving outdoor air quality, especially in cities.
Healthier Employees
Green spaces provide healthy working environments that reduce absenteeism from allergies, asthma, respiratory distress and mental health problems in staff.
You might also find that some green buildings feature more natural light than traditional buildings, giving tenants ample access to sunshine and improving their moods.
You might also find that some green buildings feature more natural light than traditional buildings, giving tenants ample access to sunshine and improving their moods.
Improved Productivity
Working in a green-certified office is proven to increase productivity and staff morale.
Maybe it's getting to work in sunny offices or breathing clean air that doesn't make them sick. Still, employees in these work environments are largely more efficient and better focused.
Simple Ways To Go Green (If You Don't Work In A Leeds-Certified Building)
As a company, there are other ways of going green other than renting a LEED certified building.
Reduce your environmental impact in the following ways.
Recycling
You might be surprised to learn how much rubbish your business generates. Decrease your waste by recycling.
Set up clearly marked receptacles, so people know where to throw their trash. Not everyone is familiar with the rules of recycling.
Set up clearly marked receptacles, so people know where to throw their trash.
Reuse Items
Terrified of catching COVID using workplace crockery, dishes and cups, people resorted to using single-use plastic during the pandemic.
Encourage workmates to use the office's coffee mugs and utensils over non-reusable plastic that fills landfills and oceans. Simply wash your dirty dishes after use to stop the spread of germs.
Reduce Electricity Usage
There are a few small ways to decrease your electricity consumption impactfully.
Switch off unnecessary lights during the day, and open office blinds to let in sunshine.
Letting your laptop run idle when you're not using it can waste power. Power it down or put it on standby to decrease your electricity consumption.
Motion sensor lights are another energy-saving solution that automatically turns off in unoccupied rooms.
Otherwise, replacing incandescent light bulbs with LED ones is budget-friendly and energy-saving.
Switch off unnecessary lights during the day, and open office blinds to let in sunshine.
Go Green Literally
There aren't any negatives to having office plants.
They're pretty to look at, improve well-being and produce oxygen.
Where there's terrible ventilation, plants can improve the air quality.
Use Non-Toxic Cleaning Agents
Deep cleaning and disinfecting became top priorities during COVID.
While ramping up cleaning has been necessary, be mindful of what cleaning agents you use. Swap ones with toxic chemicals for eco-friendly cleaning products.
Encourage Eco-Friendly Practices
Not everyone will want to adopt eco-friendly practices. Show them why going greener is essential and beneficial through educational programmes and rewards.
In conclusion, renting office space in a LEED certified building offers numerous benefits to both businesses and employees.
Office Hub is the leading office space provider in the United States majorly in New York and San Francisco. It offers different types of offices that are equipped with high-speed internet, shared meeting rooms, and collaborative work environments. For more information on the best place to set up your office in the USA, contact one of our specialist consultants.
Show them why going greener is essential and beneficial through educational programmes and rewards.
